In late 1980s, S Vaikundarajan established a beach sand mining company called VV Minerals. Over the two decades, the company has reached the peak of its success and stands as the leading mining companies in India. Under his leadership, the company has won several national awards for its contribution towards the export industry.

Recently, however, VV Minerals India has been in the news for all the wrong reasons. Several allegations of illegal beach sand mining have surfaced against the company causing quite a stir in the industry.

An investigation team was set up by the then Chief Minister Jayalalitha to probe into the accusations of illegal sand mining activities across five districts of the state. A special team headed by senior IAS officer Gagandeep Singh Bedi was set up to investigate the matter.

IAS Officer Ashish Kumar, who was a part of the team, received marching order during his investigation stint. The rumors have been making the round connecting it to VV Mineral Vaikundarajan’s political connections. There is, however, no evidence to suggest that the sand mining baron has anything to do with it.

Victor Rajamanickam, a geologist, argues that the beach sand mining worth Rs. 1 Lakh crore is illegally exported out of the country. These allegations are not supported by evidence or affirmed by the investigating committee. In the wake of this situation, holding the company responsible comes as surprise to VV Minerals and loyalists.

Meanwhile, VV Mineral Vaikundarajan has stood by his company and denied any involvement in illegal operations. “VV Minerals holds legal documents authorizing the company to mine and export monazite,” informs VV Mineral Mining. The documents are issued by the Tamil Nadu Geology and Mining Department. “How is it then that the sand mining operations of VV Minerals are deemed illegal?” He asks.

VV Mineralputs his faith in the judiciary and believes that his company will come clean. He has offered to support the investigating committee in all possible ways.